Apparatus and system for transporting an item

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and system are disclosed for transporting an item. The apparatus includes a panel and at least one substantially rigid shoulder support. The panel includes a substantially flat material. The shoulder support is pivotably coupled to the panel. The shoulder support is pivotable from a storage position to a transporting position. In the storage position, the shoulder support is positioned adjacent the panel. In the transporting position, the shoulder support extends from the panel

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/882,557 entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR A CONVERTIBLE BACKPACK CHAIR” and filed on Sep. 25, 2013 for Greg G. Nelson and Application No. 62/033,681 entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR A CONVERTIBLE BACKPACK CHAIR” and filed on Aug. 6, 2014 for Greg G. Nelson, which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to folding chairs and more particularly relates to transportation of folding chairs.

BACKGROUND

Folding chairs are generally used for seating in areas where permanent seating is not possible or practical. This includes outdoor and indoor events such as college graduations, religious services, sporting events, concerts and competitions. Such events may be held in areas far from vehicle access. Thus, user's often carry the folding chairs great distances so that they can have comfortable seating when they arrive at their chosen event.

Attendees of these events often carry coolers or other items to these events. Carrying multiple items can become burdensome and the user may end up making several trips back and forth from their vehicle to the destination to deliver their items. To relieve some of this burden, chair manufacturers have developed chairs with shoulder harnesses to assist in carrying the chairs.

These harnesses have several shortcomings. First, the harnesses are irremovably coupled to the chair. In traversing a wooded area, the harnesses may snag on trees or branches making the walk or hike much more difficult. Additionally, once the user arrives at the chosen destination and set up the chair, the harnesses hang down from the chair in the dirt causing the harnesses to become unsanitary and unsightly.

Another shortcoming resulting from an irremovable shoulder harness is introduced when the user wishes to use a backpack to transport items once the user arrives at the chosen destination. For users with chairs having storage compartments and irremovable harnesses, to transport the item, the user must also transport the chair. The present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus that overcomes many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus and system that avoids the problems associate with transporting a chair. Beneficially, such an apparatus and system would also avoid placing the support harness in unsanitary environments.

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available transport systems. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus and system for transporting an item that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.

The apparatus to transport an item on a user's back includes, in certain embodiments, a panel and at least one substantially rigid shoulder support. The panel includes a substantially flat material. The shoulder support is pivotably coupled to the panel. The shoulder support is pivotable from a storage position to a transporting position. In the storage position, the shoulder support is positioned adjacent the panel. In the transporting position, the shoulder support extends from the panel.

The panel, in one embodiment, is either a back panel on a folding chair or a folding chair seat panel. In another embodiment, the panel is a back panel on a backpack.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus also includes a substantially rigid frame. In such an embodiment, the shoulder support is pivotably coupled to the panel by the substantially rigid frame.

The frame, in an exemplary embodiment, includes a chair back frame and a chair seat frame. The chair back frame includes a top end and a bottom end. The chair seat frame includes a front end disposed opposite a rear end. In such an embodiment, shoulder support may be pivotably coupled to either top end of the chair back frame or the front end of the chair seat frame.

The apparatus, in a further embodiment, includes a cushion pivotably coupled to the chair back frame. The cushion is pivotably positionable in a head rest position and lumbar support position.

In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a footrest removably coupled to the chair seat frame. In such an embodiment a height of the footrest is adjustable.

In yet another embodiment, the apparatus also includes a front leg frame and a rear leg frame. In such an embodiment, a length of either the front leg frame, the rear leg frame, or both is adjustable to adjust a height of a chair seat panel.

The apparatus, in another embodiment, includes an arm rest and a drink holder. The arm rest is pivotably coupled to the chair back frame at a first end of the at arm rest, the drink holder is pivotably coupled to and extends from a second end of arm rest. The drink holder is pivotably positionable between a folded position and a drink holding position.

The shoulder support, in one embodiment, includes an extending portion and a hooking portion. The extending portion extends substantially perpendicularly from the panel with the shoulder support positioned in the transport position. The hooking portion extends from the extending portion. The hooking portion transitions to an angle substantially parallel to the panel. In such an embodiment, the extending portion is approximately a same length as an average width of a user's shoulder from a chest of the user to a back of the user.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present subject matter should be or are in any single embodiment of the subject matter. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments.

These features and advantages of the present subject matter will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a left side view illustrating one embodiment of a convertible backpack chair in accordance with the present subject matter;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a convertible backpack chair according to the present subject matter;

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a convertible backpack chair in a folded position according to the present subject matter;

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a removable pack according to the present subject matter;

FIG. 5 is a right side view illustrating one embodiment of a convertible backpack chair in accordance with the present subject matter;

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a transportable backpack chair in a folded position according to the present subject matter;

FIG. 7 which depicts a side view of one embodiment of the transportable backpack chair of FIG. 6 in an open position according to the present subject matter;

FIG. 8A depicts a front view of one embodiment of the transportable backpack chair of FIG. 6 positioned on a user's shoulders;

FIG. 8B depicts a side view of one embodiment of the transportable backpack chair of FIG. 6 positioned on a user's shoulders;

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of an apparatus to transport an item on a user's back; and

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a backpack chair according to the present subject matter

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present subject matter. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the subject matter may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the subject matter may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter.

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of one embodiment of a convertible backpack chair 100 according to the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the convertible backpack chair includes a folding chair 102, a pack 104 removably coupled to the folding chair 102 and a harness 106 coupled to the pack 104.

The folding chair 102, in certain embodiments, includes a chair back frame 108, a back support panel 202, a chair seat frame 110, a seat support panel 204, a front leg frame 112, a rear leg frame 114, and a pair of armrests 116 a and 116 b (collectively 116).

Referring to both FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 which depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the convertible backpack chair 100 according to the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the chair back frame 108 has a top end 118 disposed opposite a bottom end 120. As can be more clearly seen in FIG. 2, in certain embodiments, the chair back frame 108 is substantially U-shaped and supports the back support panel 202.

The chair seat frame 110, in one embodiment, includes a front end 122 disposed opposite a rear end 124. In an exemplary embodiment, the chair seat frame 110 is also substantially U-shaped and supports the seat support panel 204. In certain embodiments, the rear end 124 of the chair seat frame 110 is pivotably coupled to the bottom end 120 of the chair back frame 108. Thus, the chair seat frame 110 and the chair back frame 108 can pivot towards and away from one another in the direction indicated by arrow 126. The pivotability of the chair seat frame 110 with respect to the chair back frame 108 allows the back support panel 202 and the seat support panel 204 to be positioned adjacent one another to place the chair 102 in a folded position as shown in FIG. 3.

In certain embodiments, the folding chair 102 includes a front leg frame 112 and a rear leg frame 114. The front leg frame 112 and the rear leg frame 114, like the chair seat frame 110 and the chair back frame, are also substantially U-Shaped. The front leg frame 112 has a top ends 128 a and 128 b (collectively top end 128) disposed opposite a bottom end 130. The front leg frame 112 is pivotably coupled to the chair seat frame 110 at a position between the front end 122 and the rear end 124 of the chair seat frame 110 and at a position between the top end 128 and the bottom end 130 of the front leg frame 112. In certain embodiments, a pining member 132 extends through each side of the front leg frame 112 and through each side of the chair seat frame 110 to pivotably couple the front leg frame 112 to the chair seat frame 110.

The rear leg frame 115 is also substantially U-Shaped. The rear leg frame includes top ends 136 a and 136 b (collectively top end 136) disposed opposite a bottom end 138. The rear leg frame 115 pivotably coupled to the front leg frame 112 at the top ends 136 a and 136 b of the rear leg frame and the top ends 128 a and 128 b of the front leg frame 112 by pining members 140 a and 140 b.

The armrests 116 a and 116 b are pivotably coupled to the chair back frame 108 at each side of the chair back frame 108 between the top end 118 and the bottom end 120 of the chair back frame 108. Pinning members 144 a and 144 b extend through the armrests 116 a and 116 b and through each side of the chair back frame 108 to pivotably couple the armrests 116 a and 116 b to the chair back frame 108. The armrests 116 a and 116 b are also pivotably coupled to the top ends 136 a and 136 b of the rear leg frame 115 and the top ends 128 a and 128 b of the front leg frame 112 to support a front end of the armrests 116 a and 116 b.

In an exemplary embodiment, the armrests 116 a and 116 b are adjustably coupled to the top ends 136 a and 136 b of the rear leg frame 115 and the top ends 128 a and 128 b of the front leg frame 112 by pinning members 140 a and 140 b positioned through adjusting members 142 a and 142 b. In certain embodiments, the pinning members 140 a and 140 b engage grooves in the adjusting members 142 a and 142 b to adjust an angle of the a chair back frame 108 for the comfort of the user.

The apparatus 100 also includes a pack 104 removably coupled to the folding chair 102. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pack 104 is depicted as being positioned adjacent the back support panel 202. In other embodiments, the pack 104 may be positioned adjacent the seat support panel 204.

The pack 104, in certain embodiments, comprises a container for holding various items according to a user's desires. Thus, as is more clearly shown in FIG. 4, the pack 104 includes a top end panel 402, a bottom end panel 404, side panels 406 and 408, front panel 410 and rear panel 412. The top end 402, the bottom end panel 404, the side panels 406 and 408, the front panel 410 and the rear panel 412 define a receiving space for receiving the user's various items.

In one embodiment, the harness 106 is coupled to the pack 104. The harness 106 includes at least one shoulder strap 148. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one shoulder strap 148 comprises at least two shoulder straps 148 a and 148 b. In such an embodiment, the at least two shoulder straps 148 a and 148 b have an attached end 414 (see FIG. 4) and an attachable end 416 (see FIG. 4.) The attached end 414 of each of the at least two shoulder straps 148 a and 148 b is coupled to a first end (the bottom end 404) of the pack 104. In other embodiments, the attached end 414 of each of the at least two shoulder straps 148 a and 148 b may be coupled to the pack 104 at other positions on the pack 104.

The harness 106 is positionable between a chair transporting position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and a pack transporting position, as shown in FIG. 4. In the chair transporting position, the shoulder straps 148 a and 148 b are removably coupled to the chair 102. In FIGS. 2 and 3 the attachable ends 416 of the shoulder straps 148 a and 148 b are shown as being removably coupleable to a chair seat portion 206 of the folding chair 102. In other embodiments, the attachable ends 416 of the shoulder straps 148 a and 148 b are removably coupleable to a chair back portion 208 of the folding chair 102. In the chair transporting position, the top end 402 of the folding chair 102 is removably coupleable to the chair seat portion 206 or the chair back portion 208 which depending upon which portion the shoulder straps 148 a and 148 b are removably coupled to. As used herein the chair seat portion 206 includes either or both of the chair seat frame 110 and the seat support panel 204 and the chair back portion 208 includes either or both of chair back frame 108 and the back support panel 202. One of skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments, the attachable ends 416 of the shoulder straps 148 a and 148 b may be removably coupleable to the folding chair 102 on other components of the folding chair 102.

In the pack transporting position, the at least one shoulder strap 148 a and 148 b is removably coupled to the pack 104. Note that in FIG. 4 the harness 106 has not been coupled to the pack 104, in other embodiments, the harness 106 is removably coupled to the pack 104 by attaching the components of the coupling element 146. Thus, in one embodiment, the attachable end 416 of the at least two shoulder straps 148 a and 148 b are removably coupleable to a second end of the pack (the top end 402.) In other embodiments, the attachable end 416 of each of the at least two shoulder straps 148 a and 148 b may be removably coupleable to the pack 104 at other positions on the pack 104.

In certain embodiments, the pack 104 is removably coupled to the folding chair 102 by at least one pack coupling element 146. In certain embodiments, the pack coupling elements 146 comprise any device configured to removably couple one item to another (i.e., a strap, hook and loop fastener, etc.) In other embodiments, as is more clearly depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, in certain embodiments, the pack coupling elements are a two piece buckle having a male component 146 a and a female component 146 b. In such an embodiment, either the male components 146 a or the female components 146 b may be coupled to the pack 104 and the folding chair 102 in a complimentary fashion such that the harness 106 and the pack 104 can be coupled to one another in the chair transporting position and the attachable end 416 of the shoulder straps 148 a and 148 b can be coupled to the top end 402 of the pack 104 in the pack transporting position.

In certain embodiments, to removably couple the pack 104 to the folding chair 102, at least one male component 146 a or female component 146 b of the coupling elements 146 is coupled to the chair seat frame 110 by a strapping element 302 that extends around the chair seat frame 110 to couple the male component(s) 146 a or female component(s) 146 b to the chair seat frame 110. Similarly, in certain embodiments, at least one male component 146 a or female component 146 b of the coupling elements 146 is coupled to the chair back frame 108 by a strapping element 304 that extends around the chair seat frame 110 to couple the male component(s) 146 a or female component(s) 146 b to the chair back frame 108. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the pack 104 is removably coupled to the folding chair 102 by strapping elements 302 and 304 that extend around the chair seat frame 110 and the chair back frame 108 respectively.

In other embodiments, the coupling elements 146 may be integral with the strapping elements 302 and/or 304. For example, in embodiments wherein the coupling elements are hook and loop type fasteners, the hook and loop fasteners may comprise a strip of either the hook portion or the loop portion of the hook and loop fastener. In such an embodiment the strip of either the hook portion or the loop portion of the hook and loop fastener may be directly coupled to the chair seat frame 110 and the chair back frame 108.

While the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 depict the pack 104 as being removably coupleable to the folding chair 102 in only two positions (i.e., at the top end 118 of the chair back frame 108 and at the front end 122 of the chair seat frame 110), one of skill in the art will recognize that the pack 104 may be removably coupleable to the folding chair 102 at other positions. For example, FIG. 5 is a right side view illustrating one embodiment of a convertible backpack chair 500 in accordance with the present subject matter. In certain embodiments, the convertible backpack chair 500 of FIG. 5 is substantially similar to the convertible backpack chair 100 of FIG. 1. Thus, in one embodiment, the convertible backpack chair 500 includes a folding chair 102, a pack 104 removably coupled to the folding chair 102 and a harness 106 coupled to the pack 104.

In certain embodiments, in addition to being removably coupled to the folding chair 102 near the top end 118 of the chair back frame 108, the pack 104 and/or the harness 106 may also be removably coupled to the folding chair 102 near the bottom end 120 of the chair back frame 108. For example, in one embodiment, the pack 104 is coupled to the folding chair 102 near the top end 118 of the chair back frame 108 by a hook and loop coupling element 502. A bottom end 504 of the pack 104 is coupled to the folding chair 102 near the bottom end 120 of the chair back frame 108 by another hook and loop coupling element 506. In certain embodiments, another hook and loop coupling element 508 couples the harness 106 to the front end 122 of the chair seat frame 110. In yet another embodiment, where the harness 106 includes two straps 148 a and 148 b two hook and loop coupling elements 508 couple the two straps 148 a and 148 b of the harness 106 to the front end 122 of the chair seat frame 110.

In other embodiments, the pack 104 and/or the harness 106 may also be removably coupled to the folding chair 102 near the rear end 124 of the chair seat frame 110 by yet another hook and loop coupling element (not shown). One of skill in the art will recognize other positions in which to removably couple the pack 104 and/or the harness 106 to the folding chair 102.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a transportable backpack chair 600 in a folded position according to the present subject matter. In certain embodiments the backpack chair 600 includes a folding chair 602 and at least one substantially rigid shoulder harness 604 a and 604 b (collectively 604).

The folding chair 602, in one embodiment, is substantially similar to the folding chair 102 described above. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the folding chair 602 includes a chair back frame 108, a back support panel 202, a chair seat frame 110, a seat support panel 204, a front leg frame 112, a rear leg frame 114, and a pair of armrests 116 a and 116 b.

Referring to FIG. 7 which depicts a side view of one embodiment of the transportable backpack chair 600 of FIG. 6 in an open position according to the present subject matter. In certain embodiments, the chair back frame 108 has a top end 118 disposed opposite a bottom end 120. The chair seat frame 110, in one embodiment, includes a front end 122 disposed opposite a rear end 124.

Referring again to FIG. 6, in certain embodiments, backpack chair 102 includes at least two substantially rigid shoulder supports (i.e., shoulder support 604 a and 604 b). In other embodiments, the backpack chair 102 may only include one shoulder support 604. In yet another embodiment, the backpack chair 102 may include more than two shoulder supports 604.

The shoulder supports 604, in an exemplary embodiment, are pivotably coupled to the folding chair 102. For example, in one embodiment, each shoulder support 604 is coupled to the front end 122 of the chair seat frame 110 by screws 606 a and 606 b (collectively 606) positioned through each shoulder support 604 and through the front end 122 of the chair seat frame 110. In certain embodiments, each shoulder support 604 is pivotable about the screws 606 to reposition the shoulder supports 604 as further discussed below.

Each shoulder support 604 is pivotable from a storage position 608, as shown in FIG. 6, to a transporting position 702, as shown in FIG. 7. That is, in certain embodiment, each shoulder support 604 is pivotable about the screws 606 in the directions indicated by arrows 616 a and 6 a 6 b respectively. In the storage position 608, the shoulder supports 604 are positioned adjacent to the chair seat panel 204. In this position, the shoulder supports 604 are positioned inside the chair seat frame 110.

In an exemplary embodiment, the backpack chair 600 includes biasing element configured to bias the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support 604 in either the storage position 608 or the transport position 702. For example, in one embodiment, springs 610 a and 610 b (collectively 610) are positioned between the chair seat frame 110 and the shoulder supports 604. The springs 610 provide tension to keep the shoulder supports 604 positioned in either the storage position 608 or the transporting position 702.

In the transporting position 702, the shoulder supports 604 extend away from the chair seat panel 204. In the transporting position 702, the shoulder supports 604 may be positioned over a user's shoulders to carry the backpack chair 600. For example, in one embodiment, each shoulder support 604 includes an extending portion 612 a and 612 b respectively and a hooking portion 614 a and 614 b respectively.

The extending portions 612 a and 612 b of the shoulder supports 604 extend substantially perpendicularly from chair seat panel when the shoulder supports 604 are positioned in the transport position 702. The hooking portions 614 a and 614 b of the shoulder supports 604 extend from the extending portions 612 a and 612 b respectively at an angle substantially parallel to the chair seat panel 204.

In certain embodiments, the extending portions 612 a and 612 b of the shoulder supports 604 are approximately the same width as a width of a user's shoulder from the user's chest to the user's back. For example, with reference to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the distance 704 between the hooking portion 614 a of shoulder support 604 and the chair seat panel 204 is sufficient to comfortably fit an average user's shoulder from the user's chest to the user's back.

While the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 depict the shoulder supports 604 as being pivotably coupled to the front end 122 of the chair seat frame 110, one of skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments, the shoulder supports 604 may be pivotably coupled to the rear end 124 of the chair seat frame 110. In yet another embodiment, the shoulder supports 604 may be pivotably coupled to either the top end 118 or a bottom end 120 of the chair back frame 108.

Referring again to FIG. 7, in certain embodiments, the backpack chair 600 includes a cushion 706. The cushion, in one embodiment, is coupled to the chair back frame 108 by a bar 708. In certain embodiment, the bar 708 is pivotable to reposition the cushion 706 in from a head rest position (as shown in phantom lines) and lumbar support position (as shown in solid lines). In an exemplary embodiment, the cushion 706 is removable.

In another embodiment, the backpack chair 600 includes a footrest 710. The footrest 710 in one embodiment, is supported by a footrest frame 716. The footrest frame 716, in certain embodiments, is adjustably coupled to the front end 122 of the chair seat frame 110 by means of an adjustable ratchet as is known in the art. Thus, in certain embodiments a height of the footrest 710 may be adjusted as is illustrated in FIG. 7 with the solid and phantom lines depicting the footrest 710 and the footrest frame 716. In an exemplary embodiment, the footrest 710, like the cushion 706, is removable.

In one embodiment, an angle of the footrest 710 is adjustable. In such an embodiment, the footrest 710 is coupled to the footrest frame 716 by a bar 718 that extends through the footrest 710 and the footrest frame 716. The footrest 710 is pivotable about the bar 718 to adjust the angle of the footrest 710.

In yet another embodiment, the backpack chair 600 includes a drink holder 712. The drink holder 712, in certain embodiments, is pivotably coupled to and extends from an end of the arm rest 116 a opposite wherein the arm rest 116 a is coupled to the chair back frame 108. In such an embodiment, the drink holder 712 is pivotably adjustable to adjust a position of a user's drink.

In certain embodiment, the height of the backpack chair 600 may be adjusted. For example, in one embodiment, a length of the front leg frame 112 is adjustable as depicted by the phantom lines showing an elongated front leg frame 112. Similarly, in certain embodiments, the length of the rear leg frame 114 may also be adjusted as depicted by the phantom lines showing an elongated rear leg frame 114. Either or both of the front leg frame 112 and the rear leg frame 114 may be adjustable to adjust a height of the front of the chair seat panel 204, a rear of the chair seat panel 204 or both.

FIG. 8A depicts a front view of one embodiment of the transportable backpack chair 600 of FIG. 6 positioned on a user's 802 shoulders. FIG. 8B depicts a side view of one embodiment of the transportable backpack chair 600 of FIG. 6 positioned on a user's 802 shoulders.

As discussed above, in certain embodiments, the shoulder supports 604 are sized to comfortably rest on the user's 802 shoulders. In one embodiment, the shoulder supports 604 are made of a material having a sufficient structural rigidity to support the backpack chair when the shoulder supports 604 are positioned over the user's shoulders.

In certain embodiments, the shoulder supports 604 of backpack chair 600 may be used with the backpack chair 100 discussed above with reference to FIG. 1. For example, in certain embodiments, backpack chair 100 (FIG. 1) may include shoulder supports (not shown) substantially similar to the shoulder supports 604 of backpack chair 600. Once the pack 104 has been removed from the backpack chair 100 in a manner discussed above, the user may use the shoulder supports 604 to transport the backpack chair 100. This allows the user more freedom in their chair transporting choices.

While the embodiments described above discuss a transportable backpack chair 600 or 100, one of skill in the art will recognize that in certain embodiments the shoulder supports 604 may be used to transport other items. For example, in certain embodiments, the shoulder supports 604 may be pivotably coupled to a backpack, a cooler, or any other object that a user may wish to carry on his or her back.

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of an apparatus 900 to transport an item on a user's back. The apparatus 900, in certain embodiments, includes a substantially flat panel 902 and at least one substantially rigid shoulder support 904 a and 904 b (collectively shoulder supports 904).

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the substantially flat panel 902 is a back panel on a backpack 908. In other embodiments, the substantially flat panel may be a side or end of a cooler. One of skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments, the apparatus 900 may include any other flat panel to which the shoulder supports 904 may be pivotably coupled to transport an item on a user's back.

The flat panel 902, in one embodiment, is a piece of material or fabric supported by a backpack frame 906. That is, in certain embodiments, the backpack 908 includes a frame 906 to which the flat panel 902 is coupled. The backpack frame 902 includes at least three sides to support the flat panel 902. In other embodiments, the flat panel may comprise a substantially rigid material that holds its own form without the backpack frame 906.

The shoulder supports 904, in certain embodiments, are substantially similar to the shoulder supports 604 discussed above with reference to FIG. 6 the transportable backpack chair 600 of FIG. 6. That is, in certain embodiments, the shoulder supports 904 are pivotably coupled to the panel 902 and include an extending portion 612 a and 612 b respectively and a hooking portion 614 a and 614 b respectively.

In one embodiment, the shoulder supports 904 are pivotable from a storage position 606 (See, FIG. 6) to a transporting position 702 (See, FIG. 7). In the storage position 606, the shoulder supports are positioned adjacent the panel 902. In the transporting position 702, the shoulder supports extend from the panel 902.

In the transport position 702, the extending portions 612 a and 612 b extend away from the panel 902. In one embodiment, in the transport position 702, the extending portions 612 a and 612 b extend substantially perpendicularly from the panel 902. In other embodiments, the extending portions 612 a and 612 b extend away from the panel 902 at an angle other than ninety degrees. Of course, one of skill in the art will recognize that in certain embodiments, the user may adjust the angle at which the extending portions 612 a and 612 b extend from the panel 902 to accommodate a user's shoulders and comfort.

The hooking portions 614 a and 614 b extend from the extending portions 612 a and 612 b and transition from the extending portions 612 a and 612 b to an angle substantially parallel to the panel 902. In one embodiment, the transition between the angle of the extending portions 612 a and 612 b and the angle of the hooking portions 614 a and 614 b is ninety degrees. In other embodiments, the transition between the angle of the extending portions 612 a and 612 b and the angle of the hooking portions 614 a and 614 b is gradual such that the shoulder supports 904 include curved portions 910 a and 910 b respectively to accommodate a user's shoulders.

In certain embodiments, the extending portions 612 a and 612 b are sized to comfortable accommodate a user's shoulders. That is, in one embodiment, the extending portions 612 a and 612 b are approximately the same length as an average width of a user's shoulder from the chest of a user to the back of the user. In one embodiment, the average width of a user's shoulder is between about six inches and twelve inches.

In embodiments where the panel 902 is supported by the frame 906, the shoulder supports 904 are pivotably coupled to the panel 902 by fastening elements 914 a and 914 b (i.e., screw, bolts, etc.) about which the shoulder supports 904 pivot.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus 600 includes biasing elements (i.e., springs 610 a and 610 b) to keep the shoulder supports 904 positioned in either the storage position 608 or the transporting position 702. The springs 610 a and 610 b are positioned between the frame 906 and the shoulder supports 904. The springs 610 provide tension to keep the shoulder supports 604 positioned in either the storage position 608 or the transporting position 702.

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a backpack chair 1000 according to the present subject matter. In certain embodiments, the backpack chair 1000 includes at least one panel 1002 a and 1002 b, a chair back frame 1004, a chair seat frame 1006, at least one substantially rigid shoulder support 1008 a and 1008 b (collectively shoulder supports 1008), and a cushion 1010 a and 1010 b (collectively 1010).

The chair back frame 1004 supports the back support panel 1002 a. In certain embodiment, the chair back frame 1004 includes a tubular frame that extends about at least three sides of the back support panel 1002 a. The chair back frame 1004 includes a top end 1112 and a bottom end 1114.

The chair seat frame 1006 supports the seat support panel 1002 b. The chair seat frame 1006, like the chair back frame 1004, includes a tubular frame that extends around at least three sides of the seat support panel 1002 b. The chair seat frame 1006 has a front end 1116 positioned opposite a rear end 1118. The bottom end 1114 of the chair back frame 1004 is pivotably coupled to the rear end 1118 of the chair seat frame 1006.

The back support panel 1002 a is made of a fabric or other semi-pliable material that is stretched about the chair back frame 1004 to provide support for a user's back when the user is seated in the backpack chair 1000. Similarly, the seat support panel 1002 b is made of a fabric or other semi-pliable material that is stretched about the chair seat frame 1006 to provide support for a user's backside when the user is seated in the backpack chair 1000. In other embodiments, the back support panel 1002 a and the seat support panel 1002 b may be made of a rigid material.

As can be seen in the exploded popout of the coupling area 1120 of the shoulder supports 1008, the shoulder supports 1008 are substantially similar to and operate in a manner substantially similar to the shoulders supports 604 and 904 described above with reference to apparatus 600 and apparatus 900 respectively. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the shoulder supports 1008 are pivotably coupled to the front end 1116 of the chair seat frame 1006 by fastening elements 914 a and 914 b (i.e., screw, bolts, etc.) about which the shoulder supports 1008 pivot. Springs 610 a and 610 b are positioned between the front end 1116 of the chair seat frame 1006 and the shoulder supports 1008. The springs 610 a and 610 b provide tension to keep the shoulder supports 1008 positioned in either the storage position 608 or the transporting position 702. In certain embodiments, the shoulder supports 1008 a and 1008 b are wrapped in cushioning material 1122 a and 1122 b respectively to provide comfort to the user when transporting the backpack chair 1000.

In other embodiments, the shoulder supports 1008 are pivotably coupled to the top end 1112 of the chair back frame 1004. Of course one of skill in the art will recognize that the shoulder supports 1008 could be coupled to either the rear end 1118 of the chair seat frame 1006 or the bottom end 1114 of the chair back frame 1004.

The cushion 1010 is pivotably coupled to the chair back frame 1004 by a pair of supporting rods 1024 a and 1024 b. This allows the cushion 1010 to be pivoted in the direction of arrow 1026 from a head rest position as illustrated by the broken line depiction of the head rest 1010 a to a lumbar support position as illustrated by the solid line depiction of the head rest 1010 b. When the backpack chair 1000 is folded, the head rest 1010 can be positioned in the lumbar support position to keep the headrest positioned between the back support panel 1002 a and the seat support panel 1002 b. This keeps the backpack chair 1000 compact when a user wishes to transport the backpack chair 1000.

In certain embodiments, a height of the backpack chair 1000 can be adjusted by adjusting a height of either the front leg frame 1028 or a height of the rear leg frame 1030. As can be seen in the exploded pop out of the front leg extension area 1032, in certain embodiments either the front leg frame 1028, the rear leg frame 1030 or both include a series of holes 1034. A pinning element (not shown) engages one of the holes to position either the front leg frame 1028 or the rear leg frame 1130 at a desired height. Disengaging the pinning element from the hole 1034 allows the height of either the front leg frame 1028 or the rear leg frame 1130 to be adjusted to a position where the pinning element can engage another hole 1034 to adjust the height of either the front leg frame 1028 or the rear leg frame 1130 in the direction of arrow 1036.

In one embodiment, the backpack chair 1000 includes a removable footrest 1038 a and 1038 b (collectively footrest 1038). The footrest 1038 is repositionable in the direction of arrow 1040. In certain embodiments, the footrest 1038 may be positioned in a packable position as illustrated by the solid line depiction of the footrest 1038 a wherein the footrest 1038 is positioned adjacent the seat panel 1002 b. In an extended position, as depicted by the broken line illustration of the footrest 1038 b, a footrest frame 1042 is removable coupled to and extends from the front end 1116 of the chair seat frame 1006.

The popout illustration of the footrest frame coupling area 1044 depicts one embodiment of the adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the footrest 1038. In such an embodiment, a ratchet 1046 is interposed between the footrest frame 1042 and the chair seat frame 1006. The ratchet 1046 allows the height of the footrest 1038 to be adjusted in the direction of arrow 1040. In certain embodiments, a pushpin (not shown) engages a hole 1048 to releasably couple the footrest frame 1042 to the chair seat frame 1006. This allows a user to remove the footrest 1038 when the user does not desire the footrest 1038.

In certain embodiments, the footrest 1038 itself is rotatable in the direction indicated by arrow 1052. In such an embodiment, the footrest 1038 is coupled to the footrest frame 1042 by a pin 1050 that extends through the footrest 1038 and the foot rest frame 1042.

In one embodiment, the backpack chair 1000 also includes a beverage holder 1052. As is shown in the popout of the beverage holder coupling area 1054, the beverage holder 1052, in certain embodiments, is pivotably coupled to and extends from an end of an arm rest 1056 opposite wherein the arm rest 1056 is coupled to the chair back frame 1004. In such an embodiment, the beverage holder 1052 is pivotably adjustable to adjust a position beverage holder 1052 when the backpack chair 1000 is positioned in the transport position 606.

The present subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus to transport an item on a user's back, the apparatus comprising: a panel comprising a substantially flat material; at least one substantially rigid shoulder support pivotably coupled to the panel, the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support pivotable from a storage position to a transporting position, wherein, in the storage position, the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support is positioned adjacent the panel and wherein, in the transporting position, the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support extends from the panel.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the panel comprises at least one of a folding chair back panel and a folding chair seat panel.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the panel comprises a back panel on a backpack.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a substantially rigid frame, wherein the at least one shoulder support is pivotably coupled to the panel by the substantially rigid frame.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the frame comprises at least one of a chair back frame and a chair seat frame, the chair back frame having a top end and a bottom end, the chair seat frame having a front end disposed opposite a rear end.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support is pivotably coupled to at least one of the top end of the chair back frame and the front end of the chair seat frame.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a cushion pivotably coupled to the chair back frame, the cushion pivotably positionable in a head rest position and lumbar support position.
 8. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a footrest removably coupled to the chair seat frame, wherein a height of the footrest is adjustable.
 9. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a front leg frame and a rear leg frame, wherein a length of at least one of the front leg frame and the rear leg frame is adjustable to adjust a height of a chair seat panel.
 10. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising at least one arm rest and a drink holder, the at least one arm rest pivotably coupled to the chair back frame at a first end of the at least one arm rest, the drink holder pivotably coupled to and extending from a second end of the at least one arm rest, wherein the drink holder is pivotably positionable between a folded position and a drink holding position.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support comprises an extending portion and a hooking portion, the extending portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the panel with the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support positioned in the transport position, the hooking portion extending from the extending portion, the hooking portion transitioning to an angle substantially parallel to the panel.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the extending portion is approximately a same length as an average width of a user's shoulder from a chest of the user to a back of the user.
 13. A backpack chair, the backpack chair comprising: at least one panel; a chair back frame; a chair seat frame, wherein at least one of the chair back frame and the chair seat frame supports the at least one panel; at least one substantially rigid shoulder support pivotably coupled to at least one of the chair back frame and the chair seat frame, the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support pivotable from a storage position to a transporting position, wherein, in the storage position, the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support is positioned adjacent the panel and wherein, in the transporting position, the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support extends from the panel; and a cushion pivotably coupled to the chair back frame, the cushion pivotably positionable in a head rest position and lumbar support position.
 14. The backpack chair of claim 13, wherein the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support comprises an extending portion and a hooking portion, the extending portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the panel with the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support positioned in the transport position, the hooking portion extending from the extending portion, the hooking portion transitioning to an angle substantially parallel to the panel.
 15. The backpack chair of claim 13, wherein the extending portion is approximately a same length as an average width of a user's shoulder from a chest of the user to a back of the user.
 16. The backpack chair of claim 13, further comprising a biasing element configured to bias the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support in at least one of the storage position and the transport position.
 17. The backpack chair of claim 13, further comprising a footrest removably coupled to the chair seat frame, wherein a height of the footrest is adjustable.
 18. A backpack chair, the backpack chair comprising: at least one panel; a chair back frame; a chair seat frame, wherein at least one of the chair back frame and the chair seat frame supports the at least one panel; at least one substantially rigid shoulder support pivotably coupled to at least one of the chair back frame and the chair seat frame, the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support pivotable from a storage position to a transporting position, wherein, in the storage position, the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support is positioned adjacent the panel and wherein, in the transporting position, the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support extends from the panel; and a footrest removably coupled to the chair seat frame, wherein a height of the footrest is adjustable.
 19. The backpack chair of claim 18, wherein the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support comprises an extending portion and a hooking portion, the extending portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the panel with the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support positioned in the transport position, the hooking portion extending from the extending portion, the hooking portion transitioning to an angle substantially parallel to the panel, wherein the extending portion is approximately a same length as an average width of a user's shoulder from a chest of the user to a back of the user.
 20. The backpack chair of claim 18, further comprising a biasing element configured to bias the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support in at least one of the storage position and the transport position. 